Thank the higher powers that be that there are active performers who hold no fear of being typecast. Sylvester Stallone is going to smash someone’s face during a big budget actioner, Adam Sandler is going to reach for laughs in another family-friendly comedy, and Tony Todd… well, Tony Todd is going to do his best to shock the hell out of viewers in the latest chiller to smack the big screen (Final Destination 5 anyone?).

Tony is, unquestionably fearless of potential industry branding. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Tony on a few occaons, and this man oozes that trademark dark-yet-suave persona he brings to film, and it really lends to his overall endearing charm. I think Tony may believe life is an actual horror film that demands he never break general character; Throw a few drinks in a man with that kind of demeanor and you’re in for a lot of wild tales and pasonate reminiscing. Believe me: I’ve witnessed the magic first hand.

I believe it requires an unparalleled pride in one’s craft to never completely separate work from pleasure: Even a man who loves his job has a few rough days. But you’d argue that point after chatting with Mr. Todd, who relishes his public role.

And good for him, why not live it up to the fullest? The man has been afforded opportunities that some actors only dream of, and he’s made the best of every break. Tony’s carved out iconic status in his depiction of the immensely popular Candyman. He’s landed recurring roles in one of today’s most prosperous horror franchises, Final Destination.

Tony’s worked with legendary directors like Michael Bay and Mick Garris, oppote some insanely talented peers like Sean Connery, Ed Harris and Virginia Madsen, and found himself surrounded by some of the finest special effects men in the industry, including Greg Nicotero, Tom Savini and Robert Kurtzman. That’s a monstrously successful career in my humble opinion.

Having touched down on some of Tony’s history, it’s time to get right down to buness, and let you the fans and followers know what five characters have truly defined the prolific thespian’s legacy.

No matter how you shake a stick at it, Tony Todd has done some wonderful things for lovers of the macabre. He’s built a masve fanbase as a result of his unquestionable pason for the genre. The fact that he’s established monumental characters, and rejuvenated preexisting icons speaks further testament to Mr. Todd’s brilliance. Cheers to you Tony, I’m hoping to bump into you again before too long!

Matt_Molgaard
Tuesday 8/16/2011 at 01:23 PM | 80759

I would of put Candyman as the first one, nce the article was called Genre Defining Roles, and I don't see his appearance in FD as defining anything really.

To mention, I think horror is one of the few genres where new fans often start to hunt down the older movies, so they should , hopefully at least, find Candy man at some point.

HorrorDaily
Tuesday 8/16/2011 at 02:25 PM | 80767

I would of put Candyman as the first one, nce the article was called Genre Defining Roles, and I don't see his appearance in FD as defining anything really.

To mention, I think horror is one of the few genres where new fans often start to hunt down the older movies, so they should , hopefully at least, find Candy man at some point.

I hope you're right. As you can tell I clearly feel Candyman is the superior work, but Tony's name has come to ring synonymously with the Final Destination franchise, and I think your typical (IE: I watch a horror movie every now and then) viewer is far more familiar with the more commercially embraced FD franchise than Candyman. If for no other reason than the fact that Candyman hit the market during a slasher slump, while the FD franchise is giving bloodthirsty viewers everything they want, right now.

Matt_Molgaard
Tuesday 8/16/2011 at 03:55 PM | 80770

So excited to meet Tony this Saturday!!

TheShape1188
Tuesday 8/16/2011 at 08:51 PM | 80813

Though Tony Todd is great in all of his rolls, I think it's very unfortunate that he gets so typecast into all these really cheesy horror films!..

He's actually a really funny guy!!

He would always be cracking jokes and asking me &amp; my friends if we wanted to go smoke weed with him &amp; play Maden! LoL!

I say Hollywood should give him a chance in a comedy or even a serious roll!

Because he's truly an all-around talented guy, and we're all misng out!

ubersteigen
Tuesday 8/16/2011 at 09:48 PM | 80822

Love Candyman.

The 90 Night of the Living Dead is one of the few remakes that is at least equal if not better than the original.